VanGorder named Irish defensive coordinator

South Bend, IN (SportsNetwork.com) - Notre Dame has found its new
defensive coordinator in Brian VanGorder, who has previously worked with
current head coach Brian Kelly.

He'll replace Bob Diaco, who left the university last month to become the new
head coach at the University of Connecticut.

VanGorder spent the 2013 season as linebackers coach for the New York Jets,
and served as the head of the defense with Auburn for the 2012 campaign after
a four-season stint (2008-11) leading the Atlanta Falcons' defensive unit.

The 54-year-old began his coaching career alongside Kelly at Grand Valley
State (1989-91), then moved on to the head coach slot at Wayne State
(1992-94), and followed on with lower level jobs at Central Florida, Central
Michigan, Western Illinois, Georgia and the Jacksonville Jaguars before a one-
year stint as head coach with Georgia Southern in 2006.